Modular Systems for Producing Pressurized Gases from Polar Molecular Liquids at Depth or Under Pressure

ABSTRACT

A system for producing pressurized gas(es) from polar molecular liquids. A first embodiment incorporates an electrolysis cell positioned at depth within the liquid. The assembly includes first and second electrodes positioned in spaced relationship and a bell shaped collection vessel arranged above the electrodes. At least one collection vessel includes at least one gas port configured to connect to gas conduits to carry the pressurized gas(es) to the point of use or storage. Positioning the gas generating assembly at depth immerses the electrodes within the polar molecular fluid, and operation of the electrical power supply establishes an electrical potential between the electrodes. A second embodiment incorporates an electrolysis cell operable at pressure, as well as an arrangement of ancillary systems benefitting from the electrolysis at pressure system. Various mechanisms for gathering and separating the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas generated by electrolysis are described.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims the benefit under Title 35 United States Code§119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/647,057,filed May 15, 2012, and the benefit under Title 35 United States Code§120, as a Continuation-In-Part of co-pending PCT Patent ApplicationSer. No. PCT/US2012/027590, filed Mar. 2, 2012, designating the UnitedStates, which itself further claims the benefit under Title 35 UnitedStates Code §120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/038,979, filedMar. 2, 2011, the full disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to systems for producing one ormore gases from a liquid compound by way of electrolysis. The presentinvention relates more specifically to a system for generatingpressurized gases from polar molecular liquids. The system anticipatesits preferred use in conjunction with liquid water, although other polarmolecular liquids may be used to produce other gases based upon the sameprinciples.

2. Description of the Related Art

Electrolysis involving water is the decomposition of water (H₂O) intooxygen gas (O₂) and hydrogen gas (H₂) as the result of the establishmentof an electric potential that results in the flow of an electric currentthrough the water. The principle behind electrolysis involves reactionsthat occur on two electrodes placed within the water. In the basicarrangement, an electrical power source is connected to the twoelectrodes, or two plates (typically made from some inert metal, such asplatinum or stainless steel) which are placed in the water. Hydrogen gas(H₂) bubbles will appear at the cathode (the negatively chargedelectrode where electrons enter the water) and oxygen gas (O₂) bubbleswill appear at the anode (the positively charged electrode). The amountof hydrogen gas generated is typically twice that of the amount ofoxygen gas and both are proportional to the total electrical chargeconducted by the solution.

Electrolysis of pure water requires excess energy to overcome variousactivation barriers. Without the excess energy, the electrolysis of purewater occurs very slowly or not at all. This is in part due to thelimited self-ionization of water. Pure water has an electricalconductivity of about one millionth of that of sea water. Manyelectrolytic cells may also lack the requisite electrocatalyst. Theefficiency of electrolysis is increased through the natural presence orthe addition of an electrolyte (such as salt, an acid, or a base) andthe use of an electrocatalyst. The present invention takes advantage ofthe greater concentration of naturally occurring electrolytes in deeperwater.

In water, at the negatively charged cathode, a reduction reaction takesplace with electrons from the cathode being given to hydrogen cations toform hydrogen gas. At the positively charged anode, an oxidationreaction occurs generating oxygen gas and giving electrons to the anodeto complete the circuit. The overall reaction involves the decompositionof water into oxygen and hydrogen according to the following equation[2H₂O=2H₂+O₂]. The number of hydrogen molecules produced is therefore(on average) twice the number of oxygen molecules. Assuming equaltemperature and pressure for both gases, the produced hydrogen gastherefore has twice the volume of the produced oxygen gas. The number ofelectrons pushed through the water is twice the number of generatedhydrogen molecules and four times the number of generated oxygenmolecules.

It would be desirable to utilize the above described principle ofelectrolysis to generate one or more gases from a liquid and to do so ina manner that produces the gases at an elevated pressure. It would bedesirable if the ability to produce gases at an elevated pressure didnot require the addition of significant amounts of energy to compressthe gases once they have been produced. It would be useful to have asystem that generated pressurized gas or gases in a manner that allowedfor the storage of the gas or gases, or the immediate use of the gas orgases to release energy associated with either the pressure (throughmechanical means) or with the chemical compounds (through chemicalreaction means).

Efforts to produce usable gases through electrolysis, especially atelevated pressures, have generally met with little success. Most suchsystems require the use of complex and expensive equipment to pressurizethe gas once it is produced. This process of compressing the gas onceproduced is energy intensive and generally makes the production of gasesfrom the electrolysis of a liquid highly impractical. It would bedesirable to have a system that made the production of pressurized gasesfrom electrolysis a practical alternative to other known means forproducing such gases.

Some efforts have been made to produce usable gases through electrolysisthat involve operation of electrolysis at some depth in open waters(such as at depth in the ocean). The present invention is based in parton systems described and defined in Applicant's prior filed U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/038,979, filed Mar. 2, 2011, entitled Systemsand Methods for Producing Pressurized Gases from Polar Molecular Liquidsat Depth. Additional elements and components within the presentinvention are described herein, although operation of the system, andthe physical principles upon which such operation is based, are similar.The present invention therefore includes effecting electrolysis atpressure rather than the more specific operation of electrolysis atdepth.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention therefore provides systems for generating andproducing pressurized gases from polar molecular liquids without theneed to compress the gases through the addition of outside mechanicalforce driven through the use of electrical energy or otherwise. A firstembodiment of the system of the present invention incorporates anelectrolysis cell positioned at depth (16 feet or greater). Theelectrolysis cell includes a bell shaped enclosure defining a gasgenerating assembly that is positioned at depth within the polarmolecular fluid, such as water. The gas generating assembly includesfirst and second electrodes positioned in spaced relationship and thebell shaped collection vessel arranged above the electrodes. Thecollection vessel or vessels include at least one gas port configured onan upward oriented closed end of the vessel from which may extend one ormore gas conduits to carry the generated pressurized gas to the surface.At least one electrical conductor extends from a power source (a voltagepotential source) at the surface down to the electrodes positionedwithin the gas generating assembly. Positioned at the surface are thenecessary structural assemblies for deploying, supporting, andretracting a gas conduit bundle assembly and the attached gas generatingassembly. In the preferred embodiment, at least one gas collection andstorage tank is positioned at the surface to receive and store theproduced pressurized gas. Positioning the gas generating assembly atdepth immerses the electrodes within the polar molecular fluid, andoperation of the electrical power supply effects an electrical potentialbetween the electrodes resulting in an electrolytic breakdown of thepolar molecular fluid into its constituent components. The gascomponents generated at a pressure above atmospheric pressure (dependentupon the depth) are then conducted up toward the surface and used belowthe water surface (bubbler, water pump) or brought to the surface andcollected in one or more gas collection and storage tanks. Thepressurized gas thus collected at the surface may be stored and used ina number of different applications at a later date or may be immediatelyused.

The second preferred embodiment of the system of the present inventionincorporates an electrolysis cell operable at pressure, as well as anarrangement of ancillary systems benefitting from the electrolysis atpressure system. The system includes components that provide a liquidsource (preferably water) positioned at an elevated location relative tothe electrolysis system components. Optionally, other methods forcompressing the liquid to be utilized in the electrolysis system areanticipated. These optional systems may supplement the pressure createdby positioning an elevated water source or may substitute for theelevated water source. Such auxiliary compression systems may includesolar or wind powered systems. Operation of the system of the presentinvention includes receiving water from the elevated source (or otheroptional system) through a conduit to an electrolysis chamber providedwith the necessary electrical power required by the electrolysis atelectrodes, in order to produce hydrogen gas and oxygen gas (in thepreferred embodiment) in an already pressurized state. Variousmechanisms for gathering and separating the hydrogen gas and oxygen gasgenerated by electrolysis are anticipated and described. Included aredividers operable by simple geometric structures positioned inconjunction with the respective electrodes in the electrolysis system,as well as a variety of gas filtration bells that permit thediscrimination between hydrogen gas molecules and oxygen gas molecules.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of the electrode bell pressurized gasgenerator apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the overall system for generatingpressurized gas of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partially schematic elevational view of a firstimplementation (first preferred embodiment) of the overall system of thepressurized gas generating system of the present invention (open water).

FIG. 4 is a partially schematic side plan view of the surface levelcomponents of the pressurized gas generating system of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a detailed cross sectional view of the gas collection hosebundle of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram showing the various essential andoptional components of the system of the present invention, as well asvarious ancillary systems that may benefit from the production ofpressurized gases produced by the system and method of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7A is a partial cross-sectional elevational view of a modulardevice implementing the principles of the system and method of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7B is a top plan view of the device disclosed in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A is a partial cross-sectional elevational view of an alternateembodiment of the implementation of the present invention showingseparation of the produced gases by structural configuration.

FIG. 8B is a top plan view of the device shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is a partial cross-sectional view of the alternate embodiment ofthe present invention shown in FIGS. 8A & 8B, in this case showing theelectrical connections and control systems associated with the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an alternate structure forimplementing devices associated with the electrolysis at pressure,capable of being used in conjunction with systems previously describedas electrolysis at depth.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIRST PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Reference is made first to FIG. 1 for a detailed description of apartially schematic cross-sectional diagram of the basic apparatus ofthe present invention. The diagram shown in FIG. 1 is intended todescribe the functionality of the system as well as its basic geometryand structure. Deep water electrolysis system 10 comprises a long outertube 12 concentrically surrounding a long inner tube 14. At the upperend of the electrolysis system 10, outer tube 12 and inner tube 14 areterminated and partially closed by way of cap 16. At the opposite end ofouter tube 12 and inner tube 14 is positioned collection bell 18. In apreferred embodiment, each of these components might be constructed ofstainless steel pipe, PVC pipe, aluminum pipe, or the like.

Positioned within collection bell 18 are two dome-shaped wire meshelectrodes 20 and 22. Electrode 20 comprises a dome-shaped screen havinga central aperture 24 positioned at the peak of the dome. Electrode 22comprises a dome-shaped screen smaller in diameter than electrode 20 andforming a complete dome or pyramid-shaped shell. Each of electrodes 20and 22 includes a conductive ring 26 and 28 respectively, to which areelectrically attached conductive wires 30 and 32. These conductive wires30 and 32 extend to the surface to a DC power source (not shown)oriented in the manner indicated in the figure. This configurationpreferably establishes electrode 20 as the cathode (negatively chargedelectrode) on which are formed hydrogen molecules. Electrode 22 isthereby established as the anode (positive electrode) on which areformed the oxygen molecules.

As oxygen molecules are formed on the anode (electrode 22) the bubblesof oxygen gas collect below the screen (as far from the opposingelectrode as possible) and migrate to the dome of the screen electrodewhere they pass through the screen, through central aperture 24 ofelectrode 20, and are collected at the opening of inner tube 14. Oxygengas bubbles 36 then pass up through inner tube 14 to a point where thegas collects inside inner tube 14 at volume 40. Oxygen gases may then becontrollably conducted through valve 44 to the surface where the oxygengas may be stored.

In a similar manner, hydrogen gas is generated on the cathode (negativeelectrode 20) where the bubbles pass over the screen of the electrodeand are collected on the inside surface of bell 18 where they pass upinto the circumferential structure of outer tube 12. Hydrogen gas 38then bubbles up through outer tube 12 into the enclosed volume 42.Hydrogen gases then may be drawn out of the system through valve 46 asshown.

Because the electrolysis in the present system occurs at great depths insalt water (in the example shown), the efficiency of the reaction ishigher than that as might occur at the surface. The gases thus generatedalso maintain the higher pressure established at depth in the salt waterand will therefore arrive at the surface in either a greater volume orunder higher pressure.

Reference is next made to FIG. 2 which is a schematic block diagram ofthe overall system of the present invention designed to generatepressurized gas for storage and use. The diagram in FIG. 2 is intendedto represent the functional connections between the various componentsin the system and not the specific geometry or even arrangement of thesecomponents.

The entire system is preferably operated and controlled by dataacquisition and control systems 50 which include variousmicroprocessors, displays, and other analog and digital controllers thatoperate the electrical and gas flow components of the system. Dataacquisition and control systems 50 are connected to the various othercomponents within the system through electrical conductors and gas flowconduits. The vertically oriented components of the system are generallysupported and maintained in position by support structure 52. Below, orin conjunction with support structure 52, are the necessary lifting andlowering mechanisms 58. These various support structures are generallypositioned at or near the surface of the water, or at a position ofapproximately one atmospheric pressure.

Also included at or near the surface are gas conditioning systems 62described in more detail below, as well as the gas storage tanks, hereindicated as H₂ gas tanks 54 and O₂ gas tanks 56. Finally at thesurface, power supply 60 is preferably positioned to direct thenecessary voltage potential down to the electrolysis cell. It ispossible, however, that the power supply necessary to generate theelectrical potential across the electrodes in the electrolytical cellcould also be positioned at depth. In general, however, it is moreefficient and easier to simply direct electrical conductors down withthe gas conduits to provide the necessary voltage potential across theelectrodes.

The balance of the system shown in FIG. 2 is supported below the surfaceof the liquid (water) in a vertical column generally as indicated in anenvironment in excess of one atmosphere. The lifting/lowering mechanism58 supports one or more gas conduits 66 as well as additionalintermediate components that facilitate transport of the pressurized gasto the surface. These intermediate components are generally identifiedas pressurized gas surge tank 64, whose function is described in moredetail below, as well as further gas conditioning systems 65.

The gas conduits 66 extend to the surface from a pressurized gas column68 which is positioned above, and in association with, the electrodebell enclosure 70. Electrode bell enclosure 70 incorporates the twoelectrodes necessary to carry out the electrolytic reaction of theliquid compound. Power supply 60 is therefore electrically connected toelectrode bell enclosure 70 as shown. A further optional component,inlet filtration system 72 may be positioned below electrode bellenclosure 70 so as to mediate the intrusion of debris and other materialthat might jeopardize the efficiency of the operation of theelectrolytic cell.

Reference is next made to FIG. 3 for a broader view of a firstimplementation of the system of the present invention as might be madein conjunction with operation of the system in open water (an ocean, forexample) at some significant depth. FIG. 3 is a partially schematicelevational view of a first implementation (first preferred embodiment)of the overall system of the pressurized gas generating components ofthe present invention. In this view, watercraft 80 is shown positionedat the surface of the water wherein the support collection and storagecomponents of the system would be retained. Also positioned onwatercraft 80 is deployment/take-up reel 82. Extending fromdeployment/take-up reel 82 is one or more variations on a combinationgas tube, wireline bundle, and support cable 84. Positioned at anintermediate spot along combination gas tube and wireline bundle 84 ispressurized gas surge tank 86. The function of this surge tank is alsodescribed in more detail below. The electrolysis gas generator 90 ispositioned at the terminal of combination gas tube and wireline bundle84 and may be held in place by one or more deployment anchors/weights92.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that operation of the system ofthe present invention involves the balancing of pressures between thegas generating assembly at depth and the surface level assemblies. Toachieve the transport of a quantity of pressurized gas(es) to thesurface there must be a flow of the gas(es), at least initially from avolume at higher pressure (at depth) to a volume at lower pressure (atthe surface). In the initial phases of the process it may be necessaryto establish a buffer or surge tank (such as surge tanks 86 in FIG. 3and 64 in FIG. 2) to help prevent the movement of liquid with the flowof gas up the gas conduits. Other methods for regulating the rate atwhich the gases are generated could also contribute to the mitigation ofentrained fluids within the gas flows, especially on startup when thepressure differentials between the gas generating assembly at depth andthe surface are greatest.

FIG. 3 is not intended to be drawn to scale, and the actual depth atwhich the electrolysis gas generator 90 would be positioned would moretypically be on the order of 160′ to 320′ to over 5,000′. Operation ofthe system at such depths achieves the desired gas pressurization andyet does not incur material costs that exceed the benefits associatedwith collecting and storing the pressurized gases. It is preferable thatelectrolysis gas generator 90 not be positioned in close proximity tothe ocean or lake bottom so as to avoid the induction of silt and debrisinto the system. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the“depth” referred to in the present invention is primarily a pressuredifferential established by a quantity of atmosphere and a quantity ofwater positioned above the gas generator assembly. This differential“depth” is determined by the distance between the gas generator assemblyand the point of use and/or storage.

Reference is next made to FIG. 4 which is a partially schematic sideplan view of the surface level components of the gas generating systemof the present invention. In this view, various components are shownschematically placed and positioned around the movable gas collectionhose bundle 128 that extends up from the gas generating cell describedand shown above. The surface components are shown to include an array ofsurface level control and collection assemblies 100. Centrally locatedamong these components is control and data display instrumentation 102which is connected to various other components within the system throughcontrol and data signal wires 136. Also positioned at the surface iselectric power supply 104 which, in the preferred embodiment, may simplybe a rechargeable DC battery. Various alternate arrangements of thepower supply system may include the use of an electrical ground locatedat depth.

Also included at the surface level are active first gas collection tank106 and active second gas collection tank 108. In addition to theseactive gas collection tanks, there are preferably reserve first gasstorage tank(s) 110 and reserve second gas storage tank(s) 112. Varioustank valve and pressure gauge assemblies 114 are positioned on each ofthese tanks In addition, a first gas flow dryer (entrained fluidremoval) device 116 is associated with active first gas collection tank106 and a second gas flow dryer (entrained fluid removal) 120 isassociated with active second gas collection tank 108. There is also agas venting valve 118 associated with each side of the gas collectionand storage system shown.

Extending from a collection manifold centrally positioned within theassembly of components at the surface is fixed gas collection hosebundle 122. This length of multi conduit hose extends from the centralmanifold to a non-rotating axial position on hose bundle reel supportand drive 126. The reel support and drive 126 holds gas collection hosebundle 124 which is used to deploy and alternately to retract moveablegas collection hose bundle 128.

Also positioned and utilized at the surface are grounded supportplatforms 130 and 132. As indicated, the necessary control and datasignal wires 136 extend from control and data display instrumentation102 down into movable gas collection hose bundle 128 in a mannerdescribed in more detail below. Also incorporated into hose bundle 128are electrical power supply wires 134 (shown as 30 and 32 in FIG. 1).Variations on the actual structure of the hose bundle are anticipated.

Additional and optional components represented by 138 and 140, may bepositioned at or near the water surface and may include bubbledistribution systems, a combustion chamber with ancillary fuel supply,rapid compression or decompression chambers, or the like. Thesecomponents may be connected through conduits 137 and 139 to active firstgas collection tank 106 and active second gas collection tank 108 in amanner that allows for the immediate use of each or both the collectedgases for purposes such as generating energy from combustion orotherwise operating systems that benefit from the pressurized conditionof the gases, such as therapeutic uses of oxygen gases in pressurechambers or bubbling waters. Rapid decompression of the pressurizedgases may be used in thermal exchange systems as well.

FIG. 5 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the gas collection hosebundle of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention showngenerally as 128 in FIG. 4 and as 84 in FIG. 3. A wide variety ofdifferent configurations for this hose bundle are anticipated and thecomponents shown in FIG. 5 are intended to be inclusive of suchcomponents even though a more practical implementation may omit one ormore of the components shown. Gas collection hose bundle 128 primarilyincorporates first gas conduit lumen 150 and second gas conduit lumen152. In some applications of the present system, it may only benecessary to utilize a single gas conduit lumen collecting only one gas,and venting the other, or collecting both gases for immediate use whenthere is no concern for reverse electrolysis occurring. In the preferredembodiment, however, one where two gases are being generated andutilized separately at the surface, gas collection hose bundle 128should incorporate at least two gas conduit lumens.

Also incorporated into hose bundle 128 is integrated support cable 154which, in the preferred embodiment, may simply be a bundled wire cablethat extends the length of hose bundle 128 and is utilized to relieveany weight forces on the gas conduit lumens. Further included in hosebundle 128 are electrical power supply wires 134 a and 134 b. In thepreferred embodiment, these represent the DC positive and negativeconductors that establish the electrical potential between the twoelectrodes associated with the electrolysis cell positioned at depth.Once again, however, an alternate embodiment wherein the groundelectrical potential may be established at depth, a single conductor mayprovide the necessary positive potential (with respect to a negativeground) to one of the two electrodes while the remaining electrode isconnected to ground.

Finally contained within the preferred embodiment of gas collection hosebundle 128 are control and data signal wire bundle 136. In the preferredembodiment, this would be a coaxial signal cable that would allow forthe multiplexing of data and/or the transmission of signal control datafrom the surface to the gas generating cell located at depth. Variousmechanisms that might be incorporated into the electrolysis cellcollection enclosure may be directed and controlled by way of thissignal cable. In a like manner, various sensors that might be positionedat depth may direct signal data up to the surface for use in the controland data display instrumentation described above.

TABLE 1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SECOND PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Summaryof Referenced Elements Ref. No. Description FIG. 6 200 Electrolysis atpressure system. 202 Power generation system. 204 Steam reformationhydrogen production system. 206 Carbon recapture system. 208 LNG to CNGconversion system. 210 Elevated water source. 212 Supplementalcompression system. 214 Auxiliary compression source. 216 Exhaust heatexchange system. 218 Passive solar system. 220 Natural gas waterpre-heat to electrolyze system. 222 Flow through conduit. 223Filter/conditioner. 224 Electrolysis chamber. 226 Hydrogen gas outlet.228 Electrical conductor. 230 Electrolysis electrodes. 232 Supplementalheat source. 234 CNG supply. 236 Oxygen gas outlet. 238 Heat source. 240Open bowl. 241 Water source. 242 Cathode hydrogen (nickel catalystscreen). 244 Electric turbine. 246 Hydrogen gas reservoir. 250 Carbondioxide gas reservoir. 252 LNG gas reservoir. 254 Heat source. 256 CNGgas reservoir. FIGS. 7A & 7B 301 Water supply at higher elevation. 302Control and instrumentation. 303 Negative DC power. 304 Positive DCpower. 305 Blind flange point of pressure vessel penetrations. 306Pressure vessel body (90° coupling with a T coupling shown). 307Pressure vessel oxygen collection cylinder. 308 Pressure vessel hydrogencollection cylinder. 309 Gases dispenser tube (protection ofdistribution lines function). 310 Leak detector (sonic or chemical). 311Oxygen gas dispenser point elemental nozzle. 312 Hydrogen gas dispenserpoint elemental nozzle. 313 Oxygen gas supply lines. 314 Hydrogen gassupply lines. 315 Oxygen gas purification point (non-penetrate erranthydrogen detained at this point). Reformed to H₂O (water). 316 Hydrogengas purification point. Hydrogen penetrates glass or similar filteroxygen accumulates to reform to H₂O (water). 317 Physical and electricaldivider of hydrogen and oxygen gasses from electrolysis. 318 Electrodes(anode and cathode). 319 Counterweight equipment ballast. 320Containment box with access for protection of system equipment. 321Point of system power input. 322 On/Off valve double. FIGS. 8A-8C 401 2″× 6″ carbon steel pipe schedule 80 drilled with ½″ for temperature probeand liquid pressure gauge. 402 Systems liquids pressure gauge for usewith water up to 1500 psi +/− 3%, ASME Grade B accuracy. 403 Systemliquids temperature gauge for incoming water. Possible thermal couplewith digital gauges. 404 8″ steel weld sweep 90 schedule 80. 405 8″ ×2½′ seamless dom pipe schedule 80. 406 8″ 900-1000 psi forged socketwelding flange and end cap with ½″ center penetration schedule 80. 407½″ × 4″ pipe oxygen specific threads. 408 Oxygen on/off valve. 409Oxygen gauges. 410 8″ × 5′ seamless dom pipe schedule 80. 411 8″ 900 psiflange with end cap with ½″ center penetration. 412 ½″ × 4″ pipehydrogen specific thread. 413 Hydrogen on/off valve. 414 Hydrogengauges. 415 Gases physical divider. 416 Pipe cradle. 417 Incoming waterconduit 1500 psi hydraulic line. 418 Leak sensor alarm. 419 Operatinggauge panel. 420 Power controller. 421 Auxiliary input controller. 422Incoming power. 431 Electrical and controller box. 432 Oxygen bar graphdisplay. 433 Oxygen staging arrows display. 434 Hydrogen staging arrowsdisplay. 435 Hydrogen bar graph display. 436 Oxygen detector. 437Hydrogen detector. 438 Oxygen out of limits indicator. 439 Out of limitsidentifier. 440 Hydrogen out of limits indicator. 441 Digitaltemperature display. 442 Digital pressure display. 443 Power supply. 444Power supply voltage control. 445 Power supply current control. 446Optional heat input controller. 447 Optional compression inputcontroller. 448 Cathode negative hydrogen. 449 Anode positive oxygen.450 Electrolyzer power cord with penetration into system, urethane 8′long, 12 gauge water and pressure resistant. 451 Oxygen productionstatus cord 13′ long duplex exterior elements. 452 Hydrogen productionstatus cord 17′ long duplex exterior elements. 453 Oxygen detector/outof limits cord 7′ long 16 gauge duplex exterior elements. 454 Hydrogendetector/out of limits cord 4′ long 16 gauge duplex exterior elements.455 Temperature cord for digital readout 14′ long temperature exteriorelements. 456 System pressure for digital readout 14′ long, may behydraulic hose or electrical signal conductor.

Reference is next made to FIG. 6 which discloses a system and method forelectrolysis at pressure as well as the possible arrangement ofancillary systems benefiting from the electrolysis at pressure system.FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram showing the various essential andoptional components of the system of the present invention, as well asvarious ancillary systems that may benefit from the production ofpressurized gases produced by the system and method of the presentinvention.

Electrolysis at pressure system 200 is shown to include elevated watersource 210 and the optional supplemental compression system 212(operational at the top elevation or the base). An auxiliary compressionsource 214 may also include a solar or wind source. Such additionalcompression sources may include exhaust heat exchange 216, passive solar218, and NG water preheat to electrolyze option 220. Water from elevatedsource 210 flows through conduit 222, having filter/conditioner 223(shown here and in other locations within the various systems),preferably through a drop of 715-800 feet (to yield 500-600 psi).Electrolysis occurs within the chamber 224 and may be furthersupplemented by heat source 232 fed by CNG supply 234. The electricalpower required by the electrolysis is provided at electrodes 230 toproduce hydrogen gas in outlet 226 and oxygen gas in outlet 236.Electrical power is provided to electrodes 230 by conductor 228.

Optionally positioned ancillary to electrolysis at pressure system 200are power generation system 202, steam reformation hydrogen productionsystem 204, carbon recapture system 206, and LNG to CNG conversionsystem 208. Power generation system 202 includes an electric turbinegenerator 244 powered by CNG from CNG reservoir 234. Generated power isused to drive electrodes 230 by way of conductor 228.

The steam reformation hydrogen production system 204 includes hydrogencontainer 246, water source 241, open bowl 240, and heat source 238(which may preferably be fed by oxygen from outlet 236 and CNG from CNGreservoir 234. The system may also include cathode hydrogen (nickelcatalyst screen) 242 which may active or passive. Carbon recapturesystem 206 simply provides an optional collection containment 250 forcarbon dioxide produced by the various reactions in the overall system.Finally, ancillary LNG to CNG conversion system 208 may be linked to theoverall system utilizing the hydrogen generated and received from outlet226. This process may use the hydrogen to convert LNG 252 to CNG 256 inthe presence of heat 254.

FIG. 7A is a partial cross-sectional elevational view of a modulardevice capable of implementing the principles of the system and methodof the present invention. FIG. 7B is a top plan view of the devicedisclosed in FIG. 7A. Reference is made to the description of thecomponents in the table above.

FIG. 8A is a partial cross-sectional elevational view of an alternateembodiment of the implementation of the present invention showingseparation of the produced gases by structural configuration. FIG. 8B isa top plan view of the device shown in FIG. 8A. FIG. 8C is a partialcross-sectional view of the alternate embodiment of the presentinvention shown in FIGS. 8A & 8B, in this case showing the electricalconnections and control systems associated with the present invention.Reference is made to the description of the components in the tableabove.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an alternate structure forimplementing devices associated with the electrolysis at pressure,capable of being used in conjunction with systems previously describedas electrolysis at depth.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of theforegoing preferred embodiments, this description has been provided byway of explanation only, and is not intended to be construed as alimitation of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognizemodifications in the present invention that might accommodate specific“liquid at depth” environments. Such modifications as to structure,method, and even the specific arrangement of components, where suchmodifications are coincidental to the environment or the specific typeof liquid compound being utilized, do not necessarily depart from thespirit and scope of the invention. Although the invention has beendescribed in conjunction with what is essentially an “open water”environment, the principles involved may be just as easily applied to a“confined well” environment, where the depth is achieved by lowing thegas generating assembly to depth within a drilled well or the like. Thesame surface structural components may be utilized and the same basic“downhole” components would be utilized. In a like manner, the same hosebundle structures and geometries may be used.

I claim:
 1. A system for producing pressurized gas from a polarmolecular fluid, the system comprising: (a) a gas generating assemblypositioned at pressure within the polar molecular fluid, the gasgenerating assembly comprising: (1) a first electrode; (2) a secondelectrode positioned in a spaced relationship to the first electrode;(3) at least one collection vessel positioned above at least one of thefirst and second electrodes, the at least one collection vessel having agenerally downward oriented open end and a generally upward orientedclosed end; and (4) at least one port configured through the generallyupward oriented closed end of the at least one collection vessel; and(b) a gas conduit bundle assembly connected at a first end thereof tothe gas generating assembly and extending from the gas generatingassembly positioned at pressure to a second end thereof at or nearatmospheric pressure, the gas conduit bundle assembly comprising: (1) atleast one gas conduit; and (2) at least one electrical conductor; and(c) a means for generating an electrical potential between the first andsecond electrodes of the gas generating assembly; wherein positioningthe gas generating assembly at pressure places the first and secondelectrodes within the polar molecular fluid at pressure, and wherein anelectrical potential generated between the first and second electrodesresults in an electrolytic breakdown of the polar molecular fluid intoits constituent gas components, the gas components generated at apressure above atmospheric pressure dependent upon the pressure of theoperation of the system.